Why use a Charter Yacht Broker?
Brokers are like travel agents. All charter yacht brokers have the same access to the same yachts. The yacht owners pay the broker. There is no additional cost to you. Yachts do not offer a lower price without a broker, period.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
After being part of a yacht crew and a yacht manager for over 16 years in the Virgin Islands, other Caribbean islands, and the Bahamas, Michelle Heyns is now a charter yacht broker who understands firsthand why matching yacht with client and crew is imperative to the success of a luxury vacation. Her specialized experience gives her a rare and personal insight into the yachts and crews that make her unique. First and foremost, Michelle’s responsibility is to recommend the highest quality yachts and crews that meet your specific vacation, travel needs, and budget. We are happy that Hannah, with a similar experience, joined our team in February 2023 after being crew for 10 years in the BVI and Bahamas.
Simply put, Epic Yacht Charters allows you to avoid any stress or hassles you might encounter while planning your yacht vacation. Michelle and Hannah navigate on your behalf from the first point of contact until your trip is complete. We have full access to the most up-to-date availability schedules and will only book fully crewed yacht charters we know will give the highest quality vacation. We know the ins and outs of Caribbean and Mediterranean travel and where yachts can meet you to begin and end your charter. Our sound advice will not only expedite your travel time but can also help you to control these costs.
Epic Yacht Charters offers protection of the standard CYBA (Charter Yacht Broker Association) charter agreement and additionally holds funds in a private escrow account until a few days before your charter begins. They strictly adhere to ethics codes and procedures governed by yacht broker groups to protect each client. In sum, ensure your trip is exactly as you planned – no surprises.
SETTING A NEW STANDARD
Team EPIC’s personal experience with yachts, crews, owners, and yacht managers sets them apart from other charter yacht brokers. Additionally, we participate in major annual charter yacht shows to inspect each yacht and interview each crew personally. As an independent outlet, our unbiased, expert advice can often help tip the scales, turning the best vacation into an EPIC journey.
Our #1 goal is to match the yacht and crew that fits the client, identifying your needs to provide the vacation of a lifetime. We’d love to continue booking your vacations for years to come – the ultimate reward is creating lasting relationships and even lifelong friendships. Your friends will be envious when they see your trip, and then they will contact us to help them have the same unforgettable experience.
Many yachts in our Caribbean fleet are fully equipped with dive gear and feature professional dive masters or PADI-certified instructors onboard. This means you can enjoy seamless diving without needing to arrange rendezvous services.
- Complete set of SCUBA gear provided onboard
- Tanks and weights always supplied
- Certified dive guides or instructors included
- Convenient access to world-class dive sites directly from your yacht
Yes! Certified divers can take advanced courses or explore specialty dives such as wreck diving, night diving, or deep dives. Technical dive arrangements may also be available upon request.
Beginners can join resort diving programs, while certified divers can take advanced or specialty courses. For beginners, several yachts offer Resort Diving programs — a quick introduction to SCUBA basics with supervised dives up to 40 feet (12 meters). If you’d like full certification, we can arrange your PADI Open Water Course or even advanced and specialty courses.
Certification process typically includes:
- Online learning (ideally before your trip)
- Shallow water or pool training
- Supervised open water dives
- Final certification upon completion
All courses include:
- Professional PADI-certified instructor
- SCUBA gear, training materials, and certification fees
- Safe training environments in clear, calm waters
Some of the top SCUBA diving sites include:
- RMS Rhone – The Caribbean’s most famous wreck
- Chikuzen & Rocus Wrecks – Legendary artificial reef dives
- The Indians – Perfect for snorkeling and diving
- Beyond the Reef – Artificial reefs including the famous Willy T
- Sheltered bays and coral gardens ideal for training and beginners
Yes, children as young as 10 can participate in junior PADI programs while on a yacht charter. These courses teach safe, supervised diving skills, often starting in shallow water. Families can enjoy diving together under the guidance of certified instructors.
Most crewed yachts that offer SCUBA diving include high-quality SCUBA equipment onboard, so you don’t need to bring bulky items like tanks or weights. However, many divers prefer to bring their own mask or dive computer for comfort and familiarity. Equipment onboard is well maintained and regularly serviced.
WHY A CREWED YACHT?
1st class service is the goal of your yacht crew, allowing you the time to enjoy all that a luxury vacation on a yacht has to offer.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON CHARTER
Having a hard time visualizing your crewed yacht vacation? Watch our video for a glimpse of life on your crewed yacht charter.
